"Pilsudski was thrilled with the autograph, but super jealous I rode in your car!" Fine chirps over the phone.
"Hah, next time, Pilsudski joins the drive. With the SP captain, or she'll faint," I reply.
"I'll tell her!"
"Not what I meant…"
Since our outing, Fine's calls and chats flood in. Somehow, we're close friends now. From Japan's emperor to Ireland's royalty—where's my life headed?
"When you come to Europe for the Arc, my parents want to help," Fine says.
"Honored, but Ireland's royalty? That's huge," I say, awed by the ally I've gained. How do I explain this to Nanzaka?
"Let me handle it. In return, talk to my sister. She's dying to meet you."
"Sure, I guess…"
"She's obsessed. Calls you 'Her Radiant Majesty.' Wants to see your face."
"Uh, eventually…"
Wasn't Pilsudski calling Air Groove "Empress"? Now it's me? Oddly, it doesn't chill me like Flora's antics do. What's her deal?
"How long you in Japan?" I ask.
"Till year-end. Dad said to enjoy it."
"Cool dad."
"Yep!" Fine boasts, proud. I envy her bond but chide myself.
"Tell Pilsudski I'd like to meet my friend's sister."
"Will do! Good luck at the Elizabeth Hai!"
"Thanks."
Her cheerful voice lingers as I hang up. Being her friend, like Ryan is to me, feels good. But I've got bigger fish to fry—focus.
"No use fretting now. Nanzaka's right—stick to prep," I mutter. Ikuno and Turbo are already training for the Elizabeth Hai, but I need recovery from the Tenno Sho's toll. No panic. A week's prep changes nothing. Just run with Shinzan iron and mask.
Ikuno, Turbo, and I, all Canopus, train similarly. Stamina's equal; it's mental grit that'll decide.
"Stamina and grit? Canopus's specialty. Full-on battle," I say. Shinzan iron builds both body and mind. Racing's a war against many—and yourself. Weakness drags you down.
"I'm not losing in grit."
Meeting the Emperor, then slurping ramen with Ireland's princess? My mental strength's ironclad.
"Still, I'm on rest till tomorrow," I sigh. Recovery's part of prep—respect for my rivals, too. As I muse, a shadow approaches. Flora, smirking.
"Hey, got a sec?" she asks.
"What's up? Japan Cup prep going okay?"
"Perfect. Ohana says I'm in top form."
Flora's skipping the Elizabeth Hai for the Japan Cup, chasing my glory. She's fixated on beating me.
"I'll win. Count on it," she declares.
"Hope it's not just talk."
"No worries. I've got the best charm." She pulls out a pendant with a photo of her with two Uma Musume. "Takion and Flight pooled their allowance for this. Cute sisters, right?"
"Adorable. If they weren't yours."
"You're so harsh…"
"You started with the 'love' talk."
That, and Takion. She's young, but just her name sparks dread. Any Uma Musume would get it.
"Speaking of Takion, she's dying to meet you. Said your running—and body—are fascinating…"
"Flora, if you'll excuse me—"
Before she finishes, I bolt.
"Didn't want to think it, but Takion's after me too? Why are Agnes's Uma Musume like this?!"
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